Among academics, the secrets and drugs of Victorian Oxford, the truth can be a bitter reality… In 1881 at Jesus College, Oxford, an undergraduate student is found dead in his accommodation and the medical examination reveals shocking findings. When the young man's guardian accuses the college of his death and threatens scandal, Basil Rice, a professor at Jesus College with a secret to hide, is forced to act and finds himself entangled in the tragic life of Sidney Parker. The case soon attracts the attention of Rhiannon 'Non' Vaughan, a young Welsh polymath who belongs to the first women to be admitted to university lectures. However, when neither the college principal nor the powerful women behind Oxford's new women's halls allow her to get involved, her fierce intellect and determination to prove herself propel her forward. As an odd pair at the university, they form an unlikely partnership and are soon called to investigate the mysterious circumstances of Parker's death. Yet, amid business misconduct and drug peddlers, they discover that Oxford's dreamy gates are not quite as they seem… The captivating first installment of The Oxford Mysteries series by the formidable crime novelist, Alis Hawkins. Ideal for fans of Laura Shepherd-Robinson, S.G. MacLean, and Kaite Welsh.

Reviews for A Bitter Remedy: "A superb historical mystery full of atmosphere that exposes the humorism, misogyny, and bigotry of late Victorian England" - The Times. "Her inventiveness is rich" - Financial Times. "Bravely tackles the taboos of the era, targeting misogyny, homophobia, and sexual politics. An outstanding addition to the historical fiction canon. Wonderful!" - Vaseem Khan, author of Midnight at Malabar House.

"A Bitter Remedy is a perfect tonic for our times" - S. G. MacLean, author of The Seeker. "Utterly stunning! Thoughtful, complex, and engrossing" - Chris Lloyd, author of The Unwanted Dead. "A great atmospheric mystery to the last page" - Rachel Lynch, author of Dark Game. "I can't wait for Non and Basil’s next case!" - Katherine Stansfield, author of Falling Creatures.

Pages: 400, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm